Sikkim

Sikkim is the 22nd state of India that came into existence with
effect from 26th April, 1975. Sikkim
being a part of inner mountain ranges of Himalayas,
is hilly having varied elevation ranging from 300 to 8586m meters. But the
habitable areas are only up to the altitude of 2100 mtrs. Constituting only 20%
of the total area of the state, Sikkim
has been divided into four districts and each district has further been
bifurcated into two sub-divisions for administrative purpose.

The highest portion of Sikkim
lies in its north west
direction. A large number of mountains having altitudes of about seven thousand
meters stands here including Kanchenjunga
(8598 m.), the third highest peak in the world. The high serrated, snow capped
spurs and peaks of Kanchenjunga look
attractive consisting of Kumbha Karna (7711 m.), Pendem (6706 m.), Narsingh
(5825 m.), Kabru Dome (6545 m.), etc. A number of glaciers descends from
eastern slopes of Kanchenjunga into Sikkim where snow clad line is
found above 5300 mtrs. The biggest of them is Zemu, from whose snout above
Lachen monastery rises the river Teest.

General Information

People
and culture

The Lepchas are the original inhabitants of the state. Compared to
other ethnic groups, the Lepchas still maintain many of their traditional ways.
The Bhutias comprise the Sikkimese Bhutia and Bhutia from Bhutan and Tibet. The Sherpas are a marginal
ethnic group in the state. Over 70% population consist of Nepalese. They are
dominant ethnic group in the state.

Visa
& Permits

In addition to an Indian visa, foreigners must obtain inner line
permit (ILP) to visit Sikkim,
the permits can be obtained from all Indian missions, Tourism Office, New Delhi, Sikkim
Tourism office, Calcutta
and Sikkim Tourism Office, Siliguri on the strength of an Indian Visa.

Foreigners are issued a permit for initial period of 15 days
duration on the spot without any delay provided photocopies of Passport and
Visa details along with two passport photos of applicants are made available.
It can be extended for further 30 days of 15 days each. The extension of
permits can be obtained from FRO at Gangtok, Superintendent of Police of North,
South and West Districts.

If you are visiting the interior regions, you also require a
Restricted Area Permit (RAP) OR Protected Area Permit (PAP) which is obtainable
in Gangtok from the Police Check Post and Department of Tourism.

NOTE: THIS PERMIT IS ISSUED TO LOCAL GOVT REGISTERED TRAVEL AGENTS
ONLY.

Language
Spoken

Climate

Cold Winters in the month of November to February with minimum
temperatures dipping to 4 centigrade during January - February. It is between
the month of March and early May when sunshine is quite abundant. Though summer
is officially from May to October, Sikkim is almost always wet due to
the heavy monsoons, with rains at times continuing for days on ends. Longest
recorded nonstop rain is 11 days. September to October is the season of Autumn.
A peculiar feature of Sikkim weather is that though there is a classification
of sorts of the various seasons, one actually experiences a cold winter from
end of November to February and monsoons throughout the year with a little
respite during May - June and October - November. Even the winter months can be
irritatingly wet and damp with the unpredictable showers.

Money
and Banking

India has strict rules against importing or
exporting its currency. International airports have currency-exchange booths
that are always open for arriving or departing overseas flights. When you
change money, remember to get a certain amount in small denominations. Many
merchants, hotels, and restaurants won't accept worn or torn bills, and it's a
hassle to go to a bank to get them exchanged.

Always change money from an authorized money-changer and insist on
receiving an encashment slip. Some banks now charge a nominal fee for this
slip, which is necessary if you plan to pay hotel bills or travel expenses in
rupees. The encashment slip is also required if you need to reconvert rupees
into your own currency at departure. Do not be lured by illegal street hawkers
who offer you a higher exchange rate.

India's state-run banks can take forever to
cash traveler's checks. Save time and use American Express Traveler's Service.
Otherwise, cash the check at the foreign-exchange counter at your hotel. Rates
will be slightly lower, but you will save irritation and time. Most
Western-style hotels have foreign-exchange facilities for their guests.

Sikkim Tour with Darjeeling
offers you a combined tour of Darjeeling and Sikkim.
The Sikkim Tour with Darjeeling begins with one day sightseeing that involves
trip to Tiger Hill to see Mt. Kanchenjunga up
close, visit to Mountaineering Institute & Museum and Botanical gardens.

Sikkim Tour and Trek will allow you to involve in both tour and trekking
in Sikkim.
At Gangtok you will have time to observe Enchey Monastery, White Memorial Hall,
Dodrul Chorten, Namgyal Research Institute, Sanga-Choling Monastery of
Tibetology (NRIT), Saram sa – Epeca garden etc.

This 15-day Sikkim Trekking Tour is a
fantastic journey to the western Sikkim. The Sikkim Trekking tour
starts with a day worth of exploration of Darjeeling
followed by a drive to Pelling to observe emayangtse Monastery, Kechipalri Lake
and Kunchenjunga Water Falls.

The Nambu-Singalila
Trek starts and ends at Yuksom. A circular trek, Nambu-Singalila Trek is easier
and offers the spectacular views of the majestic Himalayas falling both in Sikkim and Nepal. Nambu-Singalila Trek is not
crowded and the trekkers can enjoy the total peace and tranquility of the Himalayas throughout the trek.

Every step of Sikkim Advenutre trek
takes you a bit closer to Mt.
Kanchenjunga. The Sikkim
Adventure Trek starts from Darjeeling, where a
visit to Tiger Hill will give you the first glimpse of Kanchenjunga.
Visit Himalayan Mountaineering to acquaint yourself of himalayas and the
mountaineering history.

Sikkim
Kanchenjunga Trek is a 18-day trek to Mt. Kanchenjunga,
the third highest mountain in the world. The highest altitude reached in Sikkim
Kanchenjunga Trek is 4949 m. Our first stop will be Gangtok where you will have
lesiure time to observe Rumtek Monastry, Flower Show, Cottage Industry and Research
Institute of Tibetology.

Sikkim-Bhutan Buddhist Tour is a rare opportunity to visit the most
sacred and holiest shrines or Chortens in Sikkim
and Bhutan.
The Sikkim-Bhutan Buddhist Tour starts at Gangtok with Enchey Monastery built
in the style of Chinese Pagoda and Do-drul Chorten (Stupa) built by Trulshik Rimpoche
to invoke the Gods for the
peace and tranquillity.

Sikkim Tour with North Sikkim Trek will give you an
insight into the local village life of Sikkim as well as its pristine
nature. Lachen, Phodong, Kabi and Yumthang are some of the Sikkimese villages
you will pass by.

Since
1974, when Ladakh first became accessible to foreign visitors, this high region
has captured the imagination of adventure travelers. The Markha Valley Trek
Tour offers a large diversity of landscape from the jagged Kongmaru-la
pass (5060m) to the
green oasis of Karakoram snow-capped peaks.